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Bhausaheb Tambat , K. Vishwanath , G. N. Chaithra , Rajesh P. Gunaga

Abstract

Recently, abnormal seeds in Gymnacranthera farquhariana Hook. f. and Thomson (Myristicaceae) an endangered swampy species of Western Ghats, India has been observed for the first time. Abnormal seeds had a characteristic 'cap', which is absent in normal seeds. A comparative analysis of seed parameters indicated that fitness of abnormal seeds is no more different from normal category. However, under ambient conditions where the normal seeds showed proper germination, abnormal ones fail to germinate. Although, the factors responsible for such abnormalities in G. farquhariana are not clearly understood, yet based on laboratory and field observations we predicated that the species may suffer due to inbreeding depression. Further genetic studies are needed to confirm these predictions.

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G. N. Chaithra ¹, B. Tambat ², N. S. Prasanna ³, C. Srinivas ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology, Bangalore University, Bangalore., IN
2 Department of Crop Physiology, Uas-b, Agricultural College Campus, Hassan, Karnataka., IN
3 Department of Biotechnology, Uas-d, Krishi Nagar, Dharwad, Karnataka., IN

Abstract

Midimaavu is one of the mango varieties known for making pickles. Unlike mango slices, entire tender mango is used for pickling and the pickles can be stored up to 3 to 4 years without any preservatives. However, it has been reported that most Midimaavu varieties are restricted to certain geographical locations in central Western Ghats, India and are harvested mostly from the forests. Thus they are considered as an important non-timber forest produce (NTFP) in the areas. We assessed the demographic profile of Midimaavu in Chikmagalur district, central Western Ghats, Karnataka. As per results, the typical reverse "J" shaped curve was not observed in many populations. Further the density and regeneration per adult analysis indicated populations suffer due to poor regeneration and subsequent sapling survival. The present study reveals that midimaavu is suffering from low recruitment and survival, thus there is an urgent need for conservation action.

Keywords

Midimaavu, Demography, Conservation, Central Western Ghats.

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